Wondering how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon? You are not alone. This is a common question that we’ll be answering in detail so you can navigate recipes with ease!
Welcome to another handy post in the kitchen resource section about tsp and tbsp!
Today, we’re breaking down teaspoons and tablespoons. Understanding these basic measurements is key for perfecting recipes, such as the many Breakfast, Dinner, and Dessert recipes here on TSV. 🧑🍳
So let’s dive into the question ‘How many teaspoons are in a Tablespoon’ – although the answer is easy: 3 teaspoons make 1 tablespoon. We’ll cover US/Imperial and metric conversions with charts, conversion formulas, tips for measuring, and more!
Also, see How Many Grams in an Ounce and How Many Ounces in a Gallon
Teaspoons vs Tablespoons
Both tablespoons and teaspoons measure volume in recipes. The primary difference between them is their size and capacity:
- Size: Teaspoons are smaller than tablespoons. Both are types of measuring spoons used to measure ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Capacity: A teaspoon holds 5 milliliters (ml) or about 1/6 of a fluid ounce, while a tablespoon holds 15 milliliters (ml) or approximately 1/2 of a fluid ounce. In terms of the ratio, there are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon.
The smaller teaspoon is suitable for measuring small amounts of ingredients, like leavening agents, spices, or extracts, while tablespoons are more appropriate for measuring larger quantities, such as butter, oil, or sugar.
Using the correct measuring spoon for the specified measurement in a recipe ensures accurate results. You definitely don’t want to use a tablespoon of baking powder when the recipe only calls for a teaspoon!
How to Abbreviate Teaspoon and Tablespoon
A teaspoon is abbreviated as ‘tsp’ or ‘t’. The abbreviation is typically never capitalized to show it is a smaller unit. A tablespoon is abbreviated as ‘Tbsp’, ‘tbsp’, ‘tbs’, or ‘T’. The capital T represents that it is the larger measurement. This shorthand helps save space and makes it easier to read recipes. However, when writing recipes, I prefer to use the entire spelling so there are no mistakes between the tw
How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. This conversion can be expressed as 3 tsp = 1 tbsp or 3 t = 1 T. It can also be written as 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons.
Another way to look at this unit conversion is: 1 teaspoon is 1/3 of a tablespoon, so 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.
Knowing that there is 3 tsp in a tbsp is super useful when doubling or halving a recipe. It allows for more precise adjustments and conversions!
📌 Conversion Chart (US/Imperial)
Pin this chart for later! 📌
(➗) How To Convert Teaspoons to Tablespoons (tsp to tbsp)
To convert teaspoons (tsp) to tablespoons (tbsp), simply divide the number of teaspoons by 3. This is because there are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon.
Here’s the formula:
tablespoons (tbsp) = teaspoons (tsp) ÷ 3
For example, if you have 9 teaspoons and you want to convert them to tablespoons, you would calculate:
9 teaspoons ÷ 3 = 3 tablespoons (tbsp)
Here’s a simple chart to help you convert teaspoons (tsp) to tablespoons (tbsp):
| Teaspoons (tsp) | Tablespoons (tbsp) |
|---|---|
| 1 tsp | 1/3 tbsp |
| 2 tsp | 2/3 tbsp |
| 3 tsp | 1 tbsp |
| 4 tsp | 1 1/3 tbsp |
| 5 tsp | 1 2/3 tbsp |
| 6 tsp | 2 tbsp |
| 7 tsp | 2 1/3 tbsp |
| 8 tsp | 2 2/3 tbsp |
| 9 tsp | 3 tbsp |
(✖️) How To Convert Tablespoons to Teaspoons (tbsp to tsp)
To convert tablespoons (tbsp) to teaspoons (tsp), you simply multiply the number of tablespoons by 3. This is because there are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon.
Here’s the formula:
teaspoons (tsp) = tablespoons (tbsp) × 3
For example, if you have 4 tablespoons and you want to convert them to teaspoons, you would calculate:
4 tablespoons × 3 = 12 teaspoons (tsp)
Here’s a simple chart to help you convert tablespoons (tbsp) to teaspoons (tsp):
| Tablespoons (tbsp) | Teaspoons (tsp) |
|---|---|
| 1/3 tbsp | 1 tsp |
| 2/3 tbsp | 2 tsp |
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp |
| 1 1/3 tbsp | 4 tsp |
| 1 2/3 tbsp | 5 tsp |
| 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 2 1/3 tbsp | 7 tsp |
| 2 2/3 tbsp | 8 tsp |
| 3 tbsp | 9 tsp |
Metric Conversions (tsp + tbsp + ml)
Sometimes you may use a recipe that uses milliliters (ml) instead of teaspoons (tsp) and tablespoons (tbsp). Learning how to convert between the US customary and metric systems will help make the switch a breeze.
To convert teaspoons (tsp) and tablespoons (tbsp) to metric units, use the following conversions:
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 milliliters (ml)
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 milliliters (ml)
To convert teaspoons (tsp) to milliliters (ml), multiply the number of teaspoons by 5. For example, 2 teaspoons = 2 x 5 = 10 milliliters.
To convert tablespoons (tbsp) to milliliters (ml), multiply the number of tablespoons by 15. For example, 2 tablespoons = 2 x 15 = 30 milliliters.
Here’s a straightforward chart to help you convert teaspoons (tsp) and tablespoons (tbsp) to metric units, specifically milliliters (mL):
| Teaspoons (tsp) | Tablespoons (tbsp) | Milliliters (ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tsp | 1/3 tbsp | 5 ml |
| 2 tsp | 2/3 tbsp | 10 ml |
| 3 tsp | 1 tbsp | 15 ml |
| 4 tsp | 1 1/3 tbsp | 20 ml |
| 5 tsp | 1 2/3 tbsp | 25 ml |
| 6 tsp | 2 tbsp | 30 ml |
| 7 tsp | 2 1/3 tbsp | 35 ml |
| 8 tsp | 2 2/3 tbsp | 40 ml |
| 9 tsp | 3 tbsp | 45 ml |
📌 Conversion Chart (US/Imperial + Metric)
Here is a handy conversion chart so you can see at a glance what various measurements look like across different units.
Pin this chart for later! 📌
What Happens if I Add the Wrong Amount of Baking Powder?
Using the wrong amount of baking powder in a recipe like this Vegan Banana Bread or Blueberry Muffins can have a number of effects on the end results of your baked goods. If you use too much baking powder, it may be too light and airy from rising too much and have a slightly bitter taste. If you use too little baking powder, it may turn out to be dense and heavy and not rise properly. A general rule is to use between 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons (tsp) of baking powder per 1 cup of flour.
Can I Use Tableware as Measuring Spoons?
There was a time when it was common to use small and large silverware spoons to measure ingredients. Today, measuring spoons are standardized, while silverware sizes can vary. For this reason, it’s not recommended to use silverware to measure ingredients for recipes. But when in a pinch, and you don’t have a standard measuring tsp or tbsp, you can use a small silverware spoon to measure a teaspoon or a larger spoon to use as a tablespoon.
How Much is a Pinch or Dash?
Before standardized measuring tools, cooks often used their hands, fingers, or common household items to measure ingredients, leading to the use of terms like “pinch” and “dash.” Even still today, a recipe will call for a pinch, dash, or smidgen of an ingredient. In general, these terms all mean the same thing.
- Pinch: About 1/8 of a teaspoon (tsp) of a dry ingredient, such as salt, pepper, or spices. Usually, just enough to fit between the forefinger and thumb.
- Dash: Refers to adding a tiny amount of a dry or wet ingredient. A dash is generally less than half of 1/8 teaspoon (tsp).
See more kitchen references: Cooking Terms + Definitions A – Z
FAQ’s
How many 1/2 teaspoons (tsp) are in 1 tablespoon (tbsp)?
There are 6 half (1/2) teaspoons in 1 tablespoon in the US Customary System. This conversion is true since there are 2 half (1/2) teaspoons in 1 teaspoon and 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. So multiply the 2 half (1/2) tsp by 3 tsp = 6 half (1/2) tsp in a tbsp.
How many 1/4 teaspoons are in a tablespoon?
There are 12 – 1/4 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon in the US Customary System. This conversion is true since there are 4 (1/4) teaspoons in 1 teaspoon and 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. We multiply the 4 – 1/4 teaspoons by 3 teaspoons which is 12 (1/4) tsp in a tbsp.
How many teaspoons are in a UK tablespoon?
There are 4 teaspoons in 1 UK tablespoon.
How many teaspoons are in an Australian tablespoon (AUS)?
There are 4 teaspoons in a tablespoon in Australia. This conversion is true because 1 Australian teaspoon is equal to 5 milliliters, and 1 Australian tablespoon equals 20 milliliters. Simply divide 20ml (Aus Tbsp) by 5 milliliters (1 AUS tsp) which equals 4 teaspoons.
How many tablespoons are in a stick of butter?
In the US, a stick of butter typically weighs 4 ounces (113 grams) and contains 8 tablespoons. This is equivalent to 1/2 cup or 1/4 pound of butter.
How many tablespoons in an ounce?
In the United States, there are 2 tablespoons in 1 fluid ounce.
I hope this conversion guide has been helpful and you learned something new about the ever-so-handy and humble teaspoon and tablespoon!
More Kitchen Resources!
- How Many Grams in an Ounce
- How Many Tablespoons in a Cup
- Celsius to Fahrenheit (Oven Conversion Chart)
- See all Kitchen Resources on TSV!
